Designated a
National Natural Landmark in 1980, Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge received
this prestigious designation because it is one of the last shortgrass prairies
in the southern High Plains of Texas. National Natural Landmarks represent some
of the best remaining examples of a type of feature in the country and sometimes
in the world.

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The best time to see large concentrations of sandhill cranes at the refuge is mid-December through mid-January. If you are interested in visiting the refuge to see the cranes, please contact the refuge first to ensure that there are birds present.

The refuge has joined many
partners, including Pheasant’s Forever and the Natural Resource Conservation
Service, on a grazing and fire demonstration area. This area will be used to
highlight beneficial range management practices through on the ground methods
for a variety of audiences including private landowners, wildlife managers, and
universities. Contact the refuge to learn more about this important partnership
effort.

Scaled Quail

Callipepla squamata -- or ‘blue
quail’ if you are from West Texas -- are very social birds and roost at night
in groups. They form a small circle on the ground with each bird facing out.
As the temperature gets colder, the circle gets smaller and tighter.